Something you can't get from the article but only from knowledge of the campus is that the bear was left at the main entrance to the school next to our catamount statue. They definitely wanted to make a statement...be it political or just to rile people up.
http://www.wyff4.com/news/17764161/detail.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Product Safety
There was a time when I was really interested in only buying products not tested on animals. Unfortunately, I never followed through with it. Not anymore!
I recently discovered podcasts (yes, welcome to the 21st century Nicole) and have been listening to my subscriptions during any spare moment I have. I particularly like listening to them when I'm getting ready to go out or when I'm cleaning.
I was listening to the Sierra Club Radio podcast just mere moments ago and had to stop cleaning to blog about this website they were featuring.
The Good Guide is a website currently in beta testing (so they're welcoming comments & suggestions) that "provides the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of the products in your home". I don't know, maybe I'm behind the times & many of you already know about this website, but perhaps there are a few who haven't and will benefit from this blog post.
From their website:
"With GoodGuide, You Can...
Find Safe, Healthy & Green Products that protect you and your family.
Search or Browse over 60,000 Personal Care & Household Chemical Products, and see what’s really beneath the label.
Get Expert Advice & Recommendations on products and quickly learn the impacts of what you buy.
Find better products, and make purchasing decisions based on what’s important to you.
Create a personalized Shopping List with the products that are right for you & your family.
GoodGuide gives you the best information available, wherever and whenever you need it most.
We’ll help you find better products that represent your values, avoid products that are harmful to your health, the environment, or society – and enable you to take actions to help improve the world."
If you're skeptical about the credibility or depth of this website, check out their "about us" page here. Dana O'Rourke (during the interview on Sierra Club Radio) stated that he wanted this to be something that could be easily used when you're in the store with screaming kids and have 30 seconds to pick a product. Perhaps that was a major reason I never followed through with the products tested on animals--I just never had the time or patience to sift through them.
And last but not least, for all those with an iPhone, they're coming out with an iPhone app. We can only hope that it will be free.
I recently discovered podcasts (yes, welcome to the 21st century Nicole) and have been listening to my subscriptions during any spare moment I have. I particularly like listening to them when I'm getting ready to go out or when I'm cleaning.
I was listening to the Sierra Club Radio podcast just mere moments ago and had to stop cleaning to blog about this website they were featuring.
The Good Guide is a website currently in beta testing (so they're welcoming comments & suggestions) that "provides the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of the products in your home". I don't know, maybe I'm behind the times & many of you already know about this website, but perhaps there are a few who haven't and will benefit from this blog post.
From their website:
"With GoodGuide, You Can...
Find Safe, Healthy & Green Products that protect you and your family.
Search or Browse over 60,000 Personal Care & Household Chemical Products, and see what’s really beneath the label.
Get Expert Advice & Recommendations on products and quickly learn the impacts of what you buy.
Find better products, and make purchasing decisions based on what’s important to you.
Create a personalized Shopping List with the products that are right for you & your family.
GoodGuide gives you the best information available, wherever and whenever you need it most.
We’ll help you find better products that represent your values, avoid products that are harmful to your health, the environment, or society – and enable you to take actions to help improve the world."
If you're skeptical about the credibility or depth of this website, check out their "about us" page here. Dana O'Rourke (during the interview on Sierra Club Radio) stated that he wanted this to be something that could be easily used when you're in the store with screaming kids and have 30 seconds to pick a product. Perhaps that was a major reason I never followed through with the products tested on animals--I just never had the time or patience to sift through them.
And last but not least, for all those with an iPhone, they're coming out with an iPhone app. We can only hope that it will be free.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Have you decided yet?
I'm not a big Halloween dresser-upper (the last time I dressed up was in 9th grade), but after one of my friends decided last night to have a Halloween party, I have renewed energy to dress up.
I think we've decided that I will go as Cindy Lou Who & my boyfriend will be the Grinch. If we get really into it, we might dress Capone up as Max. It could be really complicated, or it could be really simple. If I can't find any suitable Cindy Lou attire, I could always just wear pjs. I think the most difficult part might be her hair-do.
I found this really great blog post where the woman's husband (who was in dental school) made big fake teeth for her. It looked great! I think I'll just stick with simplicity...especially since it's so close to the 31st anyway.
Does anyone else have big Halloween plans? What have you decided to be?
I think we've decided that I will go as Cindy Lou Who & my boyfriend will be the Grinch. If we get really into it, we might dress Capone up as Max. It could be really complicated, or it could be really simple. If I can't find any suitable Cindy Lou attire, I could always just wear pjs. I think the most difficult part might be her hair-do.
I found this really great blog post where the woman's husband (who was in dental school) made big fake teeth for her. It looked great! I think I'll just stick with simplicity...especially since it's so close to the 31st anyway.
Does anyone else have big Halloween plans? What have you decided to be?
Money Saving Tip
Instead of spending mucho dinero on pet beds, why not make your own? Of course you'll probably need a sewing machine and basic skills in sewing.
There are plenty of patterns for pet beds circling out there, some more fancy than others, but it's not necessary to use a pattern. There may even be no-sew bed patterns.
I just took a piece of fabric bigger than the size I wanted for the bed, folded it in half, and then sewed together the three sides leaving a hole big enough for me to stuff it. For the stuffing I used regular ol' poly-fill from a craft store. After I stuffed it, I went back and sewed the hole shut. The dog bed I made only cost me the poly-fill...~$3? I'd say that's a deal.
The only advice I have for more advanced sewers (which I am not) is that you may want to add a zipper to the bed and put the stuffing in another bag so that you can remove the outer shell to wash when necessary.
There are plenty of patterns for pet beds circling out there, some more fancy than others, but it's not necessary to use a pattern. There may even be no-sew bed patterns.
I just took a piece of fabric bigger than the size I wanted for the bed, folded it in half, and then sewed together the three sides leaving a hole big enough for me to stuff it. For the stuffing I used regular ol' poly-fill from a craft store. After I stuffed it, I went back and sewed the hole shut. The dog bed I made only cost me the poly-fill...~$3? I'd say that's a deal.
The only advice I have for more advanced sewers (which I am not) is that you may want to add a zipper to the bed and put the stuffing in another bag so that you can remove the outer shell to wash when necessary.
This is the bed I made for Athena (my rottweiler). Unfortunately, Capone has already staked his claim. Oh well.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Just for fun
1. Clothes Shop
I realized recently that I haven't shopped for clothes in a while. I'm going to Jamaica next week for a wedding, so I decided to stop by a thrift store in town to see what kind of dresses they have. (I figured I'd have more luck getting something summery there than at a dept store.) I found a dress from Express for $3. AMAZING! I also recently went to Marshalls & got a bunch of stuff for really good prices.
2. Furniture Shop
Well, if I ever need any new furniture, I'll probably start at Ikea.
3. Sweets
All of them. Especially Sour Patch Kids.
4. City
I haven't really found a city in which I could live for the rest of my life. Boulder's cool, Abq's cool, Asheville's cool, Savannah's cool, Isle of Palms is cool (if you consider it a 'city'), Ft. Collins is cool
5. Drink
Sweet tea
6. Music
Classical, classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country
7. TV Series
Biggest Loser, Grey's Anatomy
8. Film
Um, lots.
9. Workout
Usually anything besides running.
10. Pastries
Krispy Kreme donuts
11. Coffee
I try to stay away from caffeine, but if I have coffee anything it's a frappaccino that's more dessert than coffee.
I realized recently that I haven't shopped for clothes in a while. I'm going to Jamaica next week for a wedding, so I decided to stop by a thrift store in town to see what kind of dresses they have. (I figured I'd have more luck getting something summery there than at a dept store.) I found a dress from Express for $3. AMAZING! I also recently went to Marshalls & got a bunch of stuff for really good prices.
2. Furniture Shop
Well, if I ever need any new furniture, I'll probably start at Ikea.
3. Sweets
All of them. Especially Sour Patch Kids.
4. City
I haven't really found a city in which I could live for the rest of my life. Boulder's cool, Abq's cool, Asheville's cool, Savannah's cool, Isle of Palms is cool (if you consider it a 'city'), Ft. Collins is cool
5. Drink
Sweet tea
6. Music
Classical, classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country
7. TV Series
Biggest Loser, Grey's Anatomy
8. Film
Um, lots.
9. Workout
Usually anything besides running.
10. Pastries
Krispy Kreme donuts
11. Coffee
I try to stay away from caffeine, but if I have coffee anything it's a frappaccino that's more dessert than coffee.
The Sweetest Gift
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "YOU'RE HOT" YOU SAY?
"Shine"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE?
"Babylon"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LONG GOAL?
"Track 5"
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Addicted" lol
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Run-around"
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
"Girl Downtown"
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
"Old Dirt Hill"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR EX?
"Mille Cherubini in Coro"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON WHO LIKES YOU?
"Track 14" :o)
WHAT DOES YOUR BEST FRIEND ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
"You Might Die Trying" lol
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Track 8" Well that's not exciting!
WHAT WILL BE PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"History in the Making" :o)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
"When It's Christmas Time in Texas" I second that.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR HOUSE?
"When Christ Was Born of Mary Free"
WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS?
"The Sweetest Gift"
OKAY, so I've started listening to Christmas music early...so sue me!! ;oD
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "YOU'RE HOT" YOU SAY?
"Shine"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE?
"Babylon"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LONG GOAL?
"Track 5"
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Addicted" lol
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Run-around"
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
"Girl Downtown"
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
"Old Dirt Hill"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR EX?
"Mille Cherubini in Coro"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON WHO LIKES YOU?
"Track 14" :o)
WHAT DOES YOUR BEST FRIEND ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
"You Might Die Trying" lol
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Track 8" Well that's not exciting!
WHAT WILL BE PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"History in the Making" :o)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
"When It's Christmas Time in Texas" I second that.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR HOUSE?
"When Christ Was Born of Mary Free"
WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS?
"The Sweetest Gift"
OKAY, so I've started listening to Christmas music early...so sue me!! ;oD
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
My new favorite song
I'm in love with the song While I Still Got The Time from Darius Rucker's new country album. Check it out here!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thank goodness!
It's raining! Much needed rain. And it's forecast through the rest of the week. I can hear my plants singing.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Adventures in cooking
I love trying different recipes...here are some I made yesterday:
Homemade Applesauce This recipe came out great! It's not as sweet as what I'm used to from the grocery store, but that's a good thing in my opinion. My aunt sent me home with tons of leftover apples from her son's (my cousin's) wedding and since I don't like apple pie and eating plain apples upsets my stomach, I decided to try making applesauce. It was super easy and made the house smell so yummy! I recommend blending the cooked apple mixture in a food processor rather than with a mixer--that way you don't get apples all over your kitchen.
I also made Honey Banana Bread. Again, just to get rid of my stash of bananas in the freezer. If your bananas get to the point of no return, just freeze them and use them for banana bread or the like later. There's no point in throwing bananas out when they can still be used. It's a "healthy" recipe, so it's not the best banana bread I've ever had, but it's still pretty good.
For dinner I made Thai Noodle Salad. If the boyfriend going back for seconds is any indicator, I'd say this recipe was a success! Very easy and took no time at all to make...I wish now that I had timed it. I had my boyfriend chop the green onions and bell pepper (from my garden!), so that cut down on the time. Using canned chicken knocked the ease factor up some more. I might actually make this recipe again...hopefully the grocery store has cilantro next time.
Happy cooking!
Homemade Applesauce This recipe came out great! It's not as sweet as what I'm used to from the grocery store, but that's a good thing in my opinion. My aunt sent me home with tons of leftover apples from her son's (my cousin's) wedding and since I don't like apple pie and eating plain apples upsets my stomach, I decided to try making applesauce. It was super easy and made the house smell so yummy! I recommend blending the cooked apple mixture in a food processor rather than with a mixer--that way you don't get apples all over your kitchen.
I also made Honey Banana Bread. Again, just to get rid of my stash of bananas in the freezer. If your bananas get to the point of no return, just freeze them and use them for banana bread or the like later. There's no point in throwing bananas out when they can still be used. It's a "healthy" recipe, so it's not the best banana bread I've ever had, but it's still pretty good.
For dinner I made Thai Noodle Salad. If the boyfriend going back for seconds is any indicator, I'd say this recipe was a success! Very easy and took no time at all to make...I wish now that I had timed it. I had my boyfriend chop the green onions and bell pepper (from my garden!), so that cut down on the time. Using canned chicken knocked the ease factor up some more. I might actually make this recipe again...hopefully the grocery store has cilantro next time.
Happy cooking!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
WCU is definitely NOT a green campus
I may get in trouble for this post, but that's a chance I'm willing to take.
I attended Western's homecoming game today. I haven't been to a game in a while so I was shocked and appalled to see that they (who "they" are I don't know--the athletic gods I suppose) are now requiring everyone, including students, to have paper tickets to get into home football games. They are no longer scanning students' cat cards.
Apparently the students are to visit a website in which they'll find their student ticket that they can then print.
What?! Wait, wait. WHAT?!?!?! Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! The amount of paper is ridiculous. BECAUSE since they're printing them places other than the ticket office, they're on whole sheets of paper.
Was there a recycle bin there to recycle these? Of course not. How many can we safely say were recycled by eco-conscious students??
Because I had trouble getting in (for I didn't know this ridiculous new policy had taken place) there was a woman with a little clout helping me to get in. I don't know her name, nor her position, but I did get some insight as to why this new paper ticket thing was put into place. According to her, some cat cards weren't able to be scanned for some reason and those students couldn't get into games. Two, by using this ticket system, there are now incentives for students to attend more games and a variety of sports. Apparently you can win different prizes for going to WCU games.
First, rectify the scanning problem by getting a new scanning system or something. Or by just sending those few students whose card won't scan to the "Cat Card Validation" line like I went through today.
As far as incentives to go to sports games...it's a sad sad world when a student needs an incentive to go support their school.
I don't know how Western expects to be competitive with other NC system schools when they continue to pull stunts like this.
As far as a quick fix goes: how about put out some recycle bins and encourage ticket recycling next time?
I attended Western's homecoming game today. I haven't been to a game in a while so I was shocked and appalled to see that they (who "they" are I don't know--the athletic gods I suppose) are now requiring everyone, including students, to have paper tickets to get into home football games. They are no longer scanning students' cat cards.
Apparently the students are to visit a website in which they'll find their student ticket that they can then print.
What?! Wait, wait. WHAT?!?!?! Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! The amount of paper is ridiculous. BECAUSE since they're printing them places other than the ticket office, they're on whole sheets of paper.
Was there a recycle bin there to recycle these? Of course not. How many can we safely say were recycled by eco-conscious students??
Because I had trouble getting in (for I didn't know this ridiculous new policy had taken place) there was a woman with a little clout helping me to get in. I don't know her name, nor her position, but I did get some insight as to why this new paper ticket thing was put into place. According to her, some cat cards weren't able to be scanned for some reason and those students couldn't get into games. Two, by using this ticket system, there are now incentives for students to attend more games and a variety of sports. Apparently you can win different prizes for going to WCU games.
First, rectify the scanning problem by getting a new scanning system or something. Or by just sending those few students whose card won't scan to the "Cat Card Validation" line like I went through today.
As far as incentives to go to sports games...it's a sad sad world when a student needs an incentive to go support their school.
I don't know how Western expects to be competitive with other NC system schools when they continue to pull stunts like this.
As far as a quick fix goes: how about put out some recycle bins and encourage ticket recycling next time?
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